On the far side of the platform, the three Sharp Blade squads stood as still as rocks.
Shi Zhanlin's First Squad, Yuan Jiu's Second Squad, and Gu Xiaomeng's Third Squad all remained motionless.
Qin Shi stood at the tip of the Third Squad's formation. Behind him were Wang Hui, Qi Ming, Li Zhen, and Zhou Ying.
Five people in all made up the assault team assigned to this mission.
"The lines are in position."
A cold, synthesized voice came over the broadcast as the last Black Tortoise Level transport ship disappeared into the darkness.
"Sharp Blade squads, prepare to board!"
The Night Owl Class transport craft pulled alongside. A howling gale whipped Qin Shi's clothes as he stepped through the open hatch first.
Once everyone was seated and strapped in, Gu Xiaomeng's reminder came over the fully opened communications channel:
"The Labyrinth Nest's internal spatial structure is extremely chaotic, and the perception of time is severely distorted. Conventional navigation and timing equipment will most likely fail after entry.
"Each assault team leader can carry a Boundary Marker Instrument. It's to your left."
Qin Shi turned his gaze and saw a briefcase on his left. He touched the lock to release it, revealing a palm-sized hexagonal instrument inside.
Its surface was smooth as a mirror, with a diamond-shaped crystal core embedded in the center.
It felt cold and heavy in his hand, and pulsed with a steady energy.
Qin Shi weighed it in his palm, then pressed it against his wrist. The hexagonal instrument curled into a ring and locked firmly in place.
"The Boundary Marker Instrument will record your space-time coordinates the moment you enter the Labyrinth Nest. Using that as a reference, it will do its best to maintain a relatively stable record of spatial orientation and the passage